‘Terrific’ – Mike Tyson names the best opponent he faced – and it’s not Lennox Lewis

Mike Tyson has shared the ring with some of the best heavyweights of his generation.

However, none of them caused him as many problems as Evander Holyfield.

Holyfield beat Tyson – first twice in 1996 and then in their 1997 rematchCredit: AFP – GettyTyson and Holyfield met for the first time in November 1996, just one year after ‘Iron Mike’s’ release from prison.

Just like his freshman year in boxing, Tyson enjoyed an active 16 months upon his return to action.

‘Iron Mike’ made quick work of Peter McNeeley and Buster Mathis Jr. in his first two outings before flattening Frank Bruno for the WBC belt in March 1996.

Six months later, he was forced to relinquish the green and gold strap when he chose to face WBA title holder Bruce Seldon, whom he subsequently blew away in the opening stanza.

His first defence of boxing’s oldest world title came against Holyfield at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Arena, and it proved to be a much tougher test than his previous bouts.

Holyfield, who by this point had already enjoyed two separate reigns as heavyweight world champion, picked an aggressive Tyson off from range with sharp counter punches.

In the sixth round, he dropped Tyson courtesy of a booming left uppercut, and in the eleventh, he stopped the youngest heavyweight world champion of all time against the ropes with a blistering combination.

It marked Tyson’s second defeat of his illustrious career, and it was one he was keen to get back, so a rematch was made for June 1997.

Once again, Holyfield got the better of the action, but this time, rather than go out on his shield, Tyson opted to bite a chunk out of his adversary’s ear, resulting in a disqualification in the third round.

Tyson and Holyfield didn’t see eye to eye for a long stretch after their heated grudge matches, but in the years that followed, ‘Iron Mike’ gave considerable props to his rival.

Tyson was disqualified for biting Holyfield in their rematchCredit: AFP – Getty

He later admitted that nobody was better than HolyfieldCredit: AFPWhen asked who the best opponent he faced was, Tyson told Ring Magazine: “Holyfield. Great champion: chin, heart, determination, work ethic, demeanour.

“He threw terrific shots with both hands and with bad intentions.”

Recalling their famous duels years later, he added: “He’s a good guy, I always knew he was a good guy.

“I want people to react and get in their heads, but he never reacted.

“He was an awesome counter-puncher. I’d say the best ever.

“I always wondered how he could be so good and so humble.”